IDF releases statement amid reports of attacks on medical workers in Lebanon

On Monday, we brought you news that the International Committee of the Red Cross had described reports of attacks on medical workers in Lebanon as “gravely concerning.” 

The Lebanese Red Cross said on Sunday that paramedic Hassan Badawi had been killed and another injured in a drone strike in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Yahoun.

Another incident, a drone attack on Red Cross offices in the southern coastal city of Tyre, reportedly killed a wounded person being transported as well as damaging Red Cross vehicles, according to the state-run National News Agency. 

The Israeli military have since released a statement, saying it was “aware of the claim regarding damage in the vicinity of a Red Cross center” and that the incident was “under review”.

It also insisted “the strike was directed at a Hezbollah terrorist”. 

Here is the statement in full: 

“Earlier today (Monday), the IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist in the Tyre area in southern Lebanon.

“It should be emphasized that the strike was directed at a Hezbollah terrorist. The IDF is aware of the claim regarding damage in the vicinity of a Red Cross center. The incident is under review.

“The Hezbollah terror organization operates next to and within civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities in Lebanon, and cynically exploits them to carry out terrorist attacks against the civilians of the State of Israel and IDF troops.”